Inside the Phillies with MLB.com beat writer Todd Zolecki

Manuel Keeps Quiet on Big Roy, Rotation, NLCS Roster

Charlie Manuel talked to reporters for 15 minutes before today’s simulated game at Citizens Bank Park.

Here’s a synopsis:

He said they have not decided on their rotation for the NLCS. Manuel wouldn’t even say Roy Halladay would pitch Game 1. Seriously.

“You can assume whatever you want to assume,” Manuel said. “I’m not trying to be cute.”

But then Manuel finally tipped his hand.

“Big Roy is Big Roy,” he said.

Halladay will pitch Game 1. Not sure about the rest. Manuel said they definitely could pitch Joe Blanton in Game 4, which would allow the Phillies to pitch Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels on normal rest in Games 5, 6 and 7.

Manuel also said they have decided nothing on their NLCS roster, although they would carry 11 pitchers instead of 10 if they decide Blanton will start Game 4.

*

The Zo Zone is on Facebook and Twitter. My Phillies book “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly” is available online, and at Delaware Valley bookstores!

Is Charlie being coy by not naming his game 1 starter at this time? What is the up side? Have the Giants announced their game 1 starter? Why should he tip his hand? I am sure the Giants would be happy with a split at CBP considering the next three games would be in San Francisco.

I wonder if they’ll stay Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels in that order?
Blanton will most certainly go in game 4, unless they are in jeopardy of being eliminated, which is highly unlikely. Most likely it’ll be the Giants looking at being eliminated. Game #1 is huge. Win game 1 and it’s a short series. Lose it and it’s a long grind.

I don’t know who’s more of a tool, billybobreefer over on the ATL blog or “can’t find a date” evilempire. I guess I’ll go with evil, since he knows absolutely nothing about baseball, while billybob knew a little (i think).

I want to congratulate the Phillies for their outstanding play. I am a Dodger fan but, I appreciate good baseball. I will be cheering you guys on and hope you pound the much hated Giants. GO PHILLIES!!!!!

Todd, I’m going to the Flyers game on Saturday and I don’t want to miss a second of the Phils first game. Do you happen to know if 7:57 is the time that the first pitch will be thrown or is that the time that the pre-game comes on? Any insight you can shed will be greatly appreciated! Phils in 5…

Good news, Hollywood. The Flyers have re-scheduled the game to 6:00, so you’ll have an extra hour of hockey. It’ll be interesting to see if the Wells Fargo Center starts to empty during the second period.
The Fox broadcast is scheduled to start at 7:30, which is likely the pre-game. 7:57 sounds like a typical TV/MLB first pitch time so that the ratings get the quarter hour before and after 8. There’s no way the pre-game show would start at 7:57.

I see that tcd133@aol, the dateless wonder is back. (he changed to evilempire after he ended up getting loads of unwanted email). How stupid does somebody have to be to use his email address as his handle on an anonymous blog?
Let him know how much you care. tcd133@aol.com is waiting.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.